Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. 2 Peter 1:12
“Don’t forget to take the trash out before you leave.” “Make sure you grab your jacket; it’s cold outside.” Being reminded isn’t always enjoyable, but certain times call for its necessity. Peter is about to go the way of all the earth and he is concerned that the church continues to be partakers of the divine nature; simply, that the church take on the moral qualities of God Himself. After laying out these qualities in vv. 5–7, Peter states a few verses later (1:12), “I intend always to remind you of these qualities,” for they produce the fruit that God desires.
We know that we are supposed to be like Jesus. But sometimes we need the reminder, not to demean anyone’s intelligence, but rather to spur one another on to Christ-likeness—the goal laid out before us. A helpful way to remember the qualities that Peter writes about are to see them in action by Jesus Himself. Thus, I will not define these below, but rather demonstrate them.
Peter says, “5For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.” Let’s recall how Jesus demonstrated these.
Take some time and meditate on the divine nature displayed perfectly in the Son of God. Think about these actions in your settings and situations. And pray that God would work these things in you for His glory. Remember, we can be these things too in Christ. In fact, the past examples of Christ become the present examples of His church thanks to God’s Spirit.